Tag Archives: shopping

This past weekend, my friend Melissa and I checked out Cherokee Street for the very first time.

Located in South City, this historic shopping district stretches for blocks and overflows with antique stores, boutiques, and also duly noted, an abundance of Mexican restaurants. Since it was late afternoon, we cruised the length of the famed street and decided to stop in at one place in particular – Flowers & Weeds.

The shop bills itself as a “floral studio, urban flower grower, and greenhouse.” And it thoroughly lived up to those expectations.

The entrance was flanked by antique carts laden with flowers. As we stepped inside, the interior opened up like a Pinterest-lover’s dream. Neat stacks of patterned pots; rows upon rows of succulents and small cacti; figurines and other treasures hidden among planters and terrariums; dressers spilling over with greenery. Everywhere I looked was inspiration overload.

We wandered around until just before closing time, taking in everything from the table full of air plants to the terrarium-making station to a cat curled up in what I imagine must be its favorite spot. Within the next several weeks, the outside of the greenhouse will also fill in with an abundance of annuals, perennials, vegetables, and other plants, as area St. Louisans gear up for gardening season.

In honor of it being the first week of spring, I just wanted to share some photographs of this lovely shop and inspire your inner green thumb. Take a look (click any photo to scroll through a gallery), and head on over to check it out for yourself in person! You won’t regret it.

Why I Look Forward to Going Back: I can’t wait to return for a girls’ outing to make our very own terrariums! No appointment needed – just stop by during business hours, and they’ll set you up at a workstation at the rear of the shop. You can bring your own container or use one of the beautiful vessels available there.

Fun Fact: Flowers & Weeds is a completely women-owned and run business. Check out this video, where you can meet the owner and see her in action.

Across the nation, it might be better known as Small Business Saturday, sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday in a weekend of shopping extravaganzas.

Last week I was working on stories for Sauk Valley Media’s upcoming gift guide.

I was interviewing the owner of a small gift shop in Sterling about jewelry. Between questions, one employee looked intently at my wrist.

“Where’d you get that bracelet?” she asked. “We carry ones just like it. Blue, black.”

“It was a few summers ago,” I said. I told her I didn’t really remember.

But I did.

Kohls. The popular department store, which came to Sterling a few years ago, has more than 1,100 U.S. locations. I don’t feel guilt about where I bought the bracelet from, but that lady’s simple question prodded my brain.

“They say a dollar spent in the community turns seven times,” the co-owner of a jewelry store in Dixon told me at another interview.

Small businesses have to stick together these days. The French Market I blogged about in September was a collaboration between several businesses in Princeton’s Art District, and it successfully generated business and buzz about stores many people drive past but seldom enter.

This post is not meant to scold people for not shopping locally, and it’s not meant to condemn shopping at nationwide chains. Rather, my intent is to raise awareness about local businesses. Shopping locally is going to be a part of my personal push to live where I am. Along with exploring local parks, which I’ve done a lot of this fall, I think it’s worth delving into local shops and eateries. I want to get all that I can from this area before I move on. And when I do, I want to carry a local mentality with me.

I’ve rethought my Christmas shopping strategy for this year. I’m going to make my list earlier than usual and see what Princeton, Dixon and Sterling have to offer before I go elsewhere.

I put this thought into action right after the gift shop interview. Bushel Basket Candle Co. adjoins the Sterling Mall and has an array of wonderful-smelling candles. I knew from the moment I walked in that I’d leave with something.

The Mission of Live Where You Are

Hi, my name is Angie! My blog, Live Where You Are, exists to encourage myself and others to make the most of their stomping grounds. Through sharing my personal experiences, I aim to inspire people to get out and explore their neighborhoods, parks, restaurants, and culture.

Join me as I explore St. Louis, St. Louis County, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’ve lived in the same place for decades or are in a brand new locale, let’s be inspired together and live, and really experience to the fullest, all that’s available right in our own backyards.